Krystin Hargrove (Be Loud Be You) wearing a one-of-kind, Shareen Again two-piece in her latest blog post…
She wears this look so well we just don’t know what to do with ourselves!
Thank you, Krystin!
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Keep checking back for another chance to shop two-pieces on our blog.
We seriously have the most amazing clients! Annette Vartanian is a public art and marketing manager by day, and a vintage aficionado by night. She has a great blog, I Heart Vintage Couture, detailing all of her thrifty finds. Her work has been featured in publications such as Lucky, Teen Vogue, and Fab Sugar.
She even wrote a little snippet about Shareen Downtown, where she mentions us as one of her favorite vintage stores in LA. She writes,
Thank you for all of your love and support, Annette. We couldn’t ask for a more beautiful client!
Lexia Frank Photography was recently featured on Style Me Pretty‘s bridal blog. The beautiful bride, Julie, married her groom in one of our very own vintage wedding gowns. They truly are one of the most adorable couples, with such an inspirational story. Click here to read the full post.
Our favorite quirky girl, Zooey Deschanel performed last night on Letterman wearing none other than the “Cameron” dress from the SHAREEN COLLECTION !
We are so proud of her and are always thrilled to see her wear our dresses so well.
Shop her look HERE!
Cat Deeley channeling the 40s in a black vintage number from Shareen Vintage
With equal parts beauty, brains and charisma, Cat Deeley is perhaps one of our favorite Shareen Girls.
The self-proclaimed, “vintage addict” is undeniably a fashionista and often plays her own stylist. Here’s a couple of our favorite looks of Deeley in Shareen Vintage:
Cat Deeley in an 80s party dress from Shareen Vintage
“It’s [Shareen Vintage] like your best friends bedroom, but with the most amazing closet you could ever imagine…!” – Cat Deeley
Cat Deeley looking like a bombshell in a dress from Shareen Vintage
Tune in TONIGHT (5/10/13) to watch Cat Deeley on Craig Ferguson (CBS).
And of course, get ready for some more fabulous Deeley moments this season on “So You Think You Can Dance” premiering Tuesday, May 14 on FOX.
Lily in “Alexa” and Abigail in “Kyrie” at their 2010 performance reviewed by the NYTimes.
Our lovely clients, the Chapin Sisters have harmonized their way into our hearts! Their music is just as unique and beautiful as their style. We wanted to recognize their talents and celebrate their accomplishments.
Their new musical venture “A Date with the Everly Brothers” is dedicated to the enduring classics made popular by another sibling duo, Don and Phil Everly.
She & Him: Volume 3 shot by Autumn de Wilde
The Chapin Sisters have spent the last few years touring with Zooey Deschanel and M.Ward of “She & Him” and will be appearing live TONIGHT behind “She & Him” on David Letterman at 11:35 pm!
Nalini (LA Shoegirl) is a wonderfully creative woman who’s design talents are often inspired by vintage finds from our store. (See below.)
These gorgeous illustrations were inspired by a vintage dress (above, left) with a beautiful netted, lace and flower detail.
“It’s a very sexy detail and I fell in love with the idea of putting that detail on a shoe.”-Nalini 
Our long time client, Nora Kirkpatick, just happens to be one cool chick. Recently she has played a recurring role on the hilariously funny NBC series, The Office, as Dwight’s neighbor and love interest. When she isn’t acting, she plays accordion in the band, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. We can’t help but celebrate Nora’s talent, beauty, and sense of humor!
To see Nora on the latest episode of The Office, click here.
And to check out upcoming tour dates for Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, click here.
Our favorite funny girl, Jessie Kahnweiler, is super excited to announce the world premiere of her much anticipated web series, “Dude Where’s my Chutzpah?”
WHAT: “Dude Where’s my Chutzpah?” is a comedic web series which follows Jessie as she inherits a large sum of money from her Grandma only to discover in order to get the cash she must “Live JEWISH for a year.” From the underground Israeli hip hop scene, to the front lines of the West Bank, to dinner tables of the ultra Orthodox communities, Jessie discovers the plethora of ways to experience Judaism. This series has balls. Kosher balls.
WHERE: It’s all happening at the one and only Downtown Independent theater!
WHEN: SUNDAY MAY 19TH at exactly 6PM
Screening followed by a Q n’ A with cast and crew plus an after party with live jams from KLEZMER JUICE, local yummy brews, and eats from The Reuben Truck.
FREE: Of course for all you beautiful peeps but you must RSVP to email below in order to get in. Please include your name, your date’s name, and your date of birth so I know how much booze to order!
MORE INFO: Here.
WATCH TRAILER: Here.
Garment: Julia | Size: 25”-28” (elastic) | Style #: J01 | Price: $115
Garment: Julia | Size: 25”-28” (elastic) | Style #: J02 | Price: $115
Garment: Julia | Size: 25”-28” (elastic) | Style #: J03 | Price: $115
Garment: Julia | Size: 25”-28” (elastic) | Style #: J04 | Price: $115
Call to order: 323.276.6226
All items are final sale*
Bri Emery in a vintage gown at Shareen Downtown
“I hope she’ll be a fool — that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.”
-F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
Our wonderful client, Michelle Kim, also happens to be an amazing wedding photographer. She produced and photographed her very first styled wedding shoot, which features one of our very own vintage dresses!
Unexpectedly, Michelle’s blog post was published on the popular wedding blog, “Grey Likes Weddings!“ Congrats, Michelle!
To see more of Michelle’s work visit her website at http://michkimphoto.com/.
Style Name: Emily, Style Number: 2PE1, Waist: 26″ , Price:
$98SOLD
Style Name: Schyler, Style Number: 2PS1, Waist: 25″ , Price:
$88SOLD
Style Name: Barrett, Style Number: 2PB1, Waist: 27″ , Price:
$92SOLD
Style Name: Schyler, Style Number: 2PS2, Waist: 26″ , Price:
$88SOLD
Karla Deras, once again looking stunning in a vintage dress from Shareen Downtown.
Fashion blogger and jewelry designer, Karla Deras, sure knows how to spice up spring. In her latest blog post on Karla’s Closet, she is wearing a vintage lace mini from Shareen Downtown. Loving this clean and chic look for the warmer weather. Can’t wait to see more!
Price: $78
Size: 26”-29” (Elastic)
Style Number: H01
Price: $78
Size: 26”-29” (Elastic)
Style Number: H02
Price: $78
Size: 26”-29” (Elastic)
Style Number: H03
Price: $78
Size: 26″-29″ (Elastic)
Style Number: H04
Price: $ SOLD
Waist: 26″
Style Number: 2P1
Price: SOLD
Waist: 26″
Style Number: 2P2
Price: SOLD
Waist: 26″
Style Number: 2P3
Price: $62
Waist: 25″
Style Number: 2P4
Marie Hamm, wearing Shareen vintage, in her latest blog post.
Model and fashion blogger, Marie Hamm of The Maven Post, is looking festival ready in this vintage bandana fringe top from Shareen Downtown. Visit our Coachella post to see our favorite looks for the season.
Who knows…. maybe you’ll see us there…
Alison Miller (Publisher, LA Confidential) in the “Ali” dress by SHAREEN at the LA Confidential party honoring this month’s cover girl, Jessica Paré (Mad Men).
The “Ali” dress by SHAREEN
Isn’t she lovely? Janie Bryant looking breathtaking in the “Meagan” dress in Elle Decor. So thrilled and proud of all her success.
Shop this look here: http://bit.ly/16EDL5d
With the onset of spring, also comes our favorite time of year- Prom Season! We have already showed you our favorite looks so far, but we have many new options to choose from weekly. Whether Junior or Senior, long or short, vintage or new, we have so many amazing dresses, it’s hard to pick which ones to show!
Here are a few options from the SHAREEN collection:
The “Tessa”
The slip dress “Josephine,” as seen on Elizabeth Hendrickson at the 2012 Daytime Emmy’s, is a very on trend option for prom this season.
Here are some vintage options from Shareen Downtown:
50s Vintage Prom Dresses.
Ganessa in a vintage gown, one option for her prom.
Classic black gowns for prom make way for vibrant accessories!
What doesn’t she do? Zooey Deschanel is at it again with another hit single “Never Wanted Your Love” off the much anticipated album from She & Him.
Such a unique voice, such great style… such great bangs. Here’s some of our favorite moments of Zooey in Shareen:
Zooey Deschanel performing with She & Him in a Shareen Again re-work.
Zooey Deschanel in the gold brocade “Cameron” from Shareen.
Zooey Deschanel in the plaid “Alexa” from the Shareen Collection at the Writers Guild Awards.
Love Zooey’s style? Shop her looks here.
A roundup of Shareen Girls in perfect outfits for Coachella 2013.
Downtown beauty, Belgica, in a 1940s slip.
Music guru, Cristina Black, in a mixed print vintage skirt from shareen downtown, paired with a bathing suit top.
Tristan Emma in a patchwork Shareen Again two-piece at Coachella 2012.
W 3rd cutie, Franie Chantal, wearing the “Scarlette” eyelet romper by SHAREEN.
Downtown beauty, Georgie, in a vintage slip dress from shareen downtown.
Uber chic, Andrea, in a fitted Indian skirt from shareen downtown.
Some highlights from this prom season…so far:
Perry looking dreamy in a 50s white gown from Shareen Downtown
Maddy is elegantly edgy in this black and white vintage gown from Shareen Downtown.
Meg looking breathtaking and on trend in this vintage slip dress from Shareen Downtown.
A roundup of memorable Shareen Girls wearing grunge.
Florence Welch in a 90s lace grunge dress from shareen downtown.
Lorraine in a grunge polkadot jumpsuit.
Karen Blanchard of wheredidugetthat.com in a 90s lace grunge dress from shareen new york. Image via wheredidugetthat.com
Dora HIller in a 90s floral grunge dress from shareen downtown.
Tasi in a 90s grunge dress from shareen downtown.
Mad Men costume designer, Janie Bryant, in SHAREEN at the season 6 premiere.
Fashion and costume designer, Janie Bryant, wearing the high-waisted trouser pant and cut-in shoulder, lace top from the SHAREEN Collection at the Mad Men season 6 premiere party.
We absolutely admire Janie and are so excited to see her marvelous work this season on Mad Men, premiering Sunday, April 7th on AMC.
We are currently seeking a full-time sales associate for Shareen Inc. in Los Angeles.
Dresses from the Shareen Collection.
Candidate should have retail experience, a reliable form of transportation, and be available Wednesday-Sunday. Must be outgoing, friendly, social media savvy and have an interest in fashion. Knowledge of fashion production is a plus.
Please send resumes to jobs@shareen.com
Meet the exquisitely talented, Sam Shelton.
She’s equal parts vocalist & storyteller,
crooner & creative force,
badass & mommy-to-be.
Join us and download Resevoir on iTunes.
To stay in the loop…
On the web: samanthashelton.net | Twitter: @samsheltonmusic
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“sweet spring is your
time is my time is our
time for springtime is lovetime
and viva sweet love”
-e.e. cummings
xo
The bridal suite at Shareen Downtown
Call to schedule your bridal fitting.
Downtown L.A. 323.276.6226 | West Hollywood 323.782.8122 | N.Y.C. 212.206.1644
Bri Emery (DesignLoveFest), documented her recent getaway to Palm Springs with adorable photos and this sweet little video
As fashionable as always, Bri looked amazing in vintage finds from Shareen Downtown.
What is your favorite weekend getaway? Share with us in a comment below!
Congrats to the talented and beautiful, Kelli Garner (PanAm, Lars and the Real Girl), who was just cast as the starring role in the new Fox pilot, Two Foxes.
The show “centers on Zach and Jenny (Garner), a couple whose friends and family don’t think they are right for each other.” –deadline.com
Kelli Garner with her boyfriend, Johnny Galecki. Kelli is wearing the “Allison M.”
We can’t wait to see you in it Kelli! There’s no doubt that you and your spectacular comedic timing will shine.
It’s that time of year again. Here’s a friendly reminder to spring forward and set your clocks ahead one hour tonight.
We can’t wait for the long summer days.
Jenny Weaver is a singer/song writer specializing in old-school country music. She has just released her debut album, “Let It Break.”
“I just hired my first band, strings and all, to bring the songs I have written over the last seven years to life.”
Jenny Weaver in a vintage dress from Shareen Downtown.
“When a song is alive and happening in the moment I don’t feel like I am creating it myself. I really feel like I am tapped into something that wants to come out in that moment. It’s the wildest, freest, most blissed out feeling.”
“When I force myself to sit and write a song, it feels like effort and it often doesn’t happen, but when a song is coming through me I have to stop everything and allow it.”
YOU can listen to “Let It Break” available now on iTunes.
In honor of Throwback Thursday: Fergie in a perfect plaid, shareen halter rework, trimmed in velvet…
This shot taken from her “Fergalicious” video in 2006. That’s just how long we’ve been loving the mix of plaid and velvet for night.
Jesse Palter of Palter Ego sings her rendition of Adele’s “Skyfall” at the W Hotel in Los Angeles.
Our breathtakingly talented client, Jesse Palter, recently performed her rendition of “Skyfall” at the W hotel’s Bond themed event, Sunday Night Jazz . The little red dress she wore (pictured above) is our very own “Allison M.” contrast dress. We love how strong and glamorous this look is on her
This video debuted on Perez Hilton and is another rendition of “Skyfall” with her band Palter Ego. She’s wearing our “Poppie” dress.
An alternate shot of Jesse Palter in Alison M. from her Instagram: @JessePalter
You can catch Jesse performing in the Jesse Palter Quartet every Sunday in March at Perch in L.A.
For a full schedule of upcoming shows click here.
www.palterego.com
“We wanted to write a ‘dance’ song that didn’t take itself seriously and that made you want to dance–so the video had to do the same.” -Deborah Stoll on Nylonmag.com
Two of our vibrant and infectious clients, Deborah Stoll and Jamie Jackson, make up two-thirds of the dreamy, 60s inspired band, Hot As Sun. They just released their video for their newest song, “Dahnce to the Beat“, on Nylonmag.com.
Jamie Jackson of Hot As Sun.
Deborah and Jamie are in vintage dresses from our downtown location.
Deborah Stoll of Hot As Sun.
Hot As Sun’s next show is March 4th at Los Globos –3040 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026.
Their new album, “Night Time Sound Desire“, will be released March 26th on Last Gang Records.
The members of Hot As Sun. Jamie Jackson (center) is wearing a vintage cape from shareen downtown. Photo credit: Ethan Lovell
As most of you know, we absolutely adore Karla Deras of Karla’s Closet .
Recently, she was asked to model/shoot some gold jewelery curated by the team over at newly launched, LoveGold. We were delighted when she asked to wear two of our favorite dresses for the occasion: the striped trumpet dress is a vintage piece from shareen downtown, while the navy “Margot“ dress is an original design by SHAREEN.
Images via Karla’s Closet
Oh and, in case you’re wondering, Karla has her own jewelery line for Roman Luxe (not pictured) with some pretty timeless and affordable pieces. You can shop them here.
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We are constantly surrounded by beauty here at SHAREEN so it isn’t hard for us to feel inspired. Whether it’s a gorgeous design, the way the sun lights up our storefront, or a rack of vintage gowns, we love capturing them in a photo.
What inspires YOU?
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SO proud to have dressed our dear friend and televesion host, Natalie Rotman (Associated Press), for the 2013 Academy Awards!
The volume, the ruffles, the drama. Natalie, you are stunning.
Natalie Rotman, of the Associated Press, attends the 2013 Academy Awards.
Check out Natalie’s blog for more shots!
How handsome, how beautiful! We are so honored to have dressed actor Alden Ehrenhic’s mother, Sari Ehrenreich and his girlfriend, Kelsey Mcnamee, for the Beautiful Creatures premiere.
Ok, but seriously! How gorgeous is this woman? A movie star in her own right. The lovely, glamorous and classic, Sari in the “Meagan” dress beside her pride and joy, Alden.
P.S. Kelsey looked amazing in the gold “Poppie.” Alden, you’re a lucky man to have such gorgeous woman beside you.
YOU can catch Alden star in the blockbuster hit, Beautiful Creatures in theaters everywhere.
Name: Austin Irving
Profession: Photographer
When did you start shooting?
When I was 8 or 9. My dad gave me a hot pink Ninja turtle camera and I started and have never stopped.
Why do you suppose he gave you the camera?
I come from a family of visual artists. My dad is a filmmaker.
Did you go to an art school?
I went to NYU Tisch School of the Arts, and graduated out of the department of photography and imaging.
What a luxury to spend 4 years studying something you love, right?
Oh yeah, it was a dream for me, and it was the first time that I felt like I fit in.
I got there and realized that there were other photography nerds as obsessed as I was.
I mean in high school I painted my room black and lit it with red light. I just wanted to be in a darkroom all the time.
I totally understand that. When I was in college, I took a year of photography.
I would go into the darkroom at 5 and emerge at 2 in the morning, and it was as if no time had passed.
Right? It’s like a casino! No time. I like timeless spaces and actually, caves are another kind of timeless vortex.
What do you love most about your job?
I love that I am able to share with the world my unique point of view, and my interest in light and color. These are things I meditate on. Light and color are a form of spirituality for me.
What do you find most challenging about your job?
Balancing my need to express from an outgoing personality with the amount of alone time that my art requires.
My work often requires long exposures at night in desolate environments.
I don’t want to say that it can get lonely, but it does get quiet.
Do you believe in a higher power and if so what do you call it?
Yes I do, and I call it spirit.
Do you believe that this spirit impacts your work?
Yes, I feel that it moves through me and that I am a channel through which it creates something much larger than myself.
If you woke up tomorrow and had absolutely no fear in any area of your life what would you do?
I would put myself out there more in the area of self-expression and performance. I would get out more and more from behind the camera.
Sounds like it’s that balancing thing again, isn’t it?
It’s a tough one when there are two distinct sides to the personality.
For what would you like to be forgiven?
I would like to forgive myself, for treating myself so badly for so many years, and for not allowing myself to celebrate my joy and my beauty.
______
YOU can see Irving’s photographic series, “CAVES” in a solo show for one night only on Saturday, January 26, 2013 from 6-10 p.m. at The Silverlake Art Co.
CAVES is a collection of large format photographs of underground caverns throughout Southeast Asia and the United States. The photographs are a unique look at natural environments that have been crated to cater to the physical needs of sightseers, as well as our collective fantasies of what a cave should look like.
“Austin’s photographs enhance my belief in other dimensions. Her images act like doorways to another side that features fantastic caves, glistening lights and otherwordly atmospheres.” – Daniel Rolnik, Curator.
“Austin Irving’s photographs evoke both beauty and spirituality within a confined space. Her work strikes me as not only a valuable addition to new voices in contemporary photography but reflects upon a photographer’s remarkable insight into picture making.” – Deborah Willis, Ph.D., NYU.
Irving’s work has been included in numerous collections and exhibits in New York and Los Angeles. For more information on the artist, visit www.austinirving.com
So thrilled to see the eternally chic and beautiful, Karla Deras of Karla’s Closet, in “Sarah” at the LoveGold cocktail party. The pre-Globe’s event was held at the Selma House at Chateau Marmont honoring actress, Julianne Moore.
What a grand evening for “Sarah” to make her shining debut and on the perfect model.
Belle is from Santa Cruz and is a full time nanny.
Are you a full time nanny, or is there something else that you enjoy doing?
Actually, I am a musician. I have a band called The Wild Ones.
Ah hah! I had a feeling, given that cool outfit of yours.
Yeah, I sing and play the guitar.
Tell me about your tights.
I don’t like bare legs. I prefer to wear tights, even fishnets, with everything. I just feel it finishes the look.
What do you love most about what you do?
It is the most fun I have ever had, working with my best friends. Learning to play the guitar and singing is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
What is the most challenging part of what you do?
Feeling like I should be better.
What is the most notable moment?
We flew to Vancouver, British Columbia to play at The Astoria.
Do you believe in a high power? If so, what do you call it?
Yes, I do. I don’t know what to call it.
If you woke up one morning with no fear, what would you do?
I would be a burlesque dancer.
If you could forgive yourself of anything, what would it be?
I would forgive myself for not being perfect.
Karen Quest is a variety entertainer
What kind of entertainer are you?
I am known as “America’s funniest cowgirl.”
How did that happen?
I went to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College and then I developed a vaudeville act. I do trick roping and whip cracking comedy.
Oh my goodness, I think that is amazing!
What do you enjoy most about your job?
People are laughing out of their reality—in other words, I’m creating their reality. If you think back to the Great Depression, that’s when screwball comedies first came into play. The harder things get the more people laugh.
What is the hardest part about your job?
Getting it. I love my work, but the hardest part is finding jobs and getting hired.
Do you believe in a higher power? If so, what do you call it?
I believe in people. I believe in the collective higher consciousness.
If you woke up tomorrow without any fear, what is the first action you would take?
I would call up this guy and ask why he didn’t kiss me when he had the chance. No, I guess my real answer would be stand-up comedy, without any props. Yeah, I would like to do a stand-up routine at an open mic.
For what would you like to be forgiven?
Family and that’s all I am going to say.
Brittany is a Nurse Practitioner.
In what area of nursing?
I just graduated from the Oncology Nurse Practitioner program at UCLA and now I am working my first job at Wilshire Oncology.
What have you been most surprised by at your job working with cancer patients?
I thought I was going to be the one to do the nurturing and giving. I had no idea that I would get back so much.
Do you believe in a higher power? If so, what do you call it?
Yes, and I call it God.
If you were fearless, what would be the first thing you would do?
I would take a greater professional risk and pursue a more pointed area of cancer study. I would also work overseas to help change health policies to provide cancer care for people who can’t afford it.
For what would you like to be forgiven?
I can’t share it directly, but there was a time in my life when I lived in fear. I took actions then that I regret. I am trying to reconcile that with myself and everyone that I affected. I have learned from my mistakes, but I wish I would have handled that time of my life differently.
Alice Wood is a film composer.
Where did you go to school?
I went to high school at the North Carolina School of the Arts and then I went to USC.
What do you love most about your work?
Composing is an interesting creative expression. It is about problem solving and I enjoy that. I compose music that solves story telling problems.
What is the most challenging aspect of your work?
Communication. Communicating with people who do not share a music vocabulary is difficult for me.
Do you believe in a higher power? If so, what do you call it?
I do believe in a higher power, but not one outside of me. I believe in the higher power within me. I call it love.
If you were fearless, what would be the first action you would take?
I might take the risk of asking for more creative support. I might ask for the collaboration of others in a new creative venture I am exploring.
Take that risk. All good comes through others. Your venture will flourish more richly when you freely embrace the participation of creative equals.
Is there something that you have done that you would like forgiven?
I want to forgive myself for not being further along professionally. I want to have compassion for my process.
Yes. Do. Process is everything. The timeline and the path are personal.
—
Kimberly Culotta is a cinematographer
Where did you study cinematography?
At the American Film Institute (AFI).
What had you done before?
I was a painter.
What do you love most about your work?
I love the sense of collaboration and I love the blending of the creative and the scientific.
Hmm… Perhaps the scientific is creative.
Yes.
What is the greatest challenge to your work?
Opportunity.
What is your most recent project?
I just shot a feature called Angel’s Perch, based on the writer’s experience of his grandmother’s decent into Alzhiemers. We shot in the town where she had lived and died. The film stars Joyce Van Patten and Ashley Jones (Twilight)
Do you believe in a higher power and if so what do you call it.
Chaos.
You believe that your higher power is chaos?
I am a nihilist really. And I think my higher power is called either chaos, or well, infinity.
If you were to wake up tomorrow and found you had no fear in any area of your life what would be the first action you would take?
I would approach the man I am in love with. That said, I feel I am living without a lot of fear now. I have surrendered most of my needs for things and security and have found myself happy. I am now working on building toward the things I want as opposed to what I think I may need.
If you could forgive yourself for anything, what might it be?
I want to forgive myself for judging my mother harshly. I see a weaknesses in her that I reject and I know her weakness is mine. It’s ironic that it is really her selflessness that I hate. She gives no thought to herself.
—
Adesuwa is a model working in Los Angeles.
What does your name mean?
Born into wealth.
What do you love most about your work?
I love the experience of bringing clothing to life.
What do you find most challenging about your work?
Everything else.
Do you believe in a higher power and if so, what do you call it?
I do believe in a higher power but I experience it more as an essence.
If you woke up tomorrow with no fear in any area of your life what would be the first action you would take?
I would call my father.
So, you haven’t spoken to him in a while, then?
I haven’t spoken to him in two years. If I had no fear I would just pick up the phone and call him.
Something to think about.
Yes. It is.
Is there something that you need to forgive yourself for and if so what would it be?
Yes there is , but it would be better kept as a secret.
…
Amanda Gibson is a clinical social worker.
What kind of social work do you do?
I work as a clinical social worker at Sutter Health Systems supervising psychiatric patients, especially those who are at risk of hurting themselves or others. Because of government cuts to funding for behavioral health, these people have no choice but to go to the emergency room for help.
What do you love most about your profession?
I love educating other people in health care about the best ways to work with mental health disorders and I love breaking down the stigma.
What is the stigma?
The stigma is that if you get help for mental health issues you will be labeled crazy, lose your job, or be rejected by your family.
What is the alternative way to think about mental health disorders?
We are all one crisis away from madness.
What is the most challenging aspect about your profession?
The most challenging aspect would be managing the multiple priorities for patients. It is difficult to get patients the help that they need, and out of the emergency room, when the facilities that they need are overcrowded.
Do you believe in a higher power? If so, what do you call it?
Yes, I do. I have different names depending on the practice.
What are some of those names?
Creator is my favorite name.
If you woke up one morning without fear, what would you do?
My biggest fear is not being loved. So, if I were without fear, I would love with abandon.
For what would you like to be forgiven?
I would like to be forgiven for any time that I have been judgmental towards others.
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Autumn de Wilde is a photographer and director best known for her portraiture and commercial photography of musicians.
How did you come to photography?
My father [Jerry de Wilde] taught me. He was a photographer and documented his friends and the scene in the 60s. He was a great inspiration to me. I grew up going through his photos.
I didn’t go to college. I went to a theater school and studied ballet for years until I got too tall. But the whole time I was fascinated by my father’s work as a photographer.
What was the first camera you ever used?
My first camera was my dad’s 35 mm Pentax. When he was sure I wouldn’t drop it he gave me a Nikon FM2.
Do you believe in a higher power, if so, what do you call it?
Yes, I believe in a higher power. It has no name and I like that I don’t know what it is.
If you woke up tomorrow without fear, what is the first action you would take?
I don’t feel that I have a lot of fear, but I do feel inhibited creatively because of financial reasons. Don’t get me wrong, I’m very grateful. I get to work as a photographer. I get to earn doing what I love, but there are so many creative things that I’d like to do that require more funds. And I’m expressing creatively with a lot of freedom, but there are so many ideas that I’d love to explore. So I guess if I had no fear, tomorrow morning I would spend my rent on the first idea that came to mind.
What would you need to have the courage to do that?
A classic patron of the arts.
I want to find that for you.
For what would you like to be forgiven?
I don’t really have any overwhelming guilt. That doesn’t mean I haven’t made any mistakes. It’s just that I’ve learned so much and I wouldn’t want any of my mistakes to be taken away. You know, when I was growing up I was prone to playing it safe. I had to be encouraged to take risks and sometimes that risk-taking created very messy situations. If you’ve made mistakes and you haven’t figured out the good that came out of them it’s a shame because our greatest mistakes tend to teach us the most.
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Photographs from Autumn’s father, Jerry de Wilde, taken in the 60s:
And here’s a look at some of our favorites of Autumn’s work:
www.autumndewilde.com
